Okinawa

[ oh-kuh-nou-wuh, -nah-wuh; Japanese aw-kee-nah-wah ]

noun

1. the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, in the N Pacific, SW of Japan: taken by U.S. forces April–June 1945 in the last major amphibious campaign of World War II. 544 sq. mi. (1,409 sq. km).

Okinawa

/ ˌəʊkɪˈnɑːwə /

noun

1. a coral island of SW Japan, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in the N Pacific: scene of heavy fighting in World War II; administered by the US (1945–72); agricultural. Chief town: Naha. Pop: 1 318 218 (2000). Area: 1176 sq km (454 sq miles)

Okinawa

1. Island in the western Pacific Ocean ; part of Japan .

Notes

During World War II , American forces seized the island from Japan in a particularly bloody campaign. It was returned to Japan in 1972.

Other Words From

• Oki·nawan adjective noun

Example Sentences

Led by Dr. Shohei Kuraoka and his team at Southern Kyushu and Okinawa Unit Center of Japan Environment and Children's Study, researchers measured 24 types of phenols in urine samples collected from pregnant women.

From Science Daily

The actor, comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” star was a self-described military brat, born in Okinawa, Japan, and never staying in one place for more than two years throughout her childhood.

From Los Angeles Times

The same warning was issued in September 2022 as Typhoon Nanmadol approached Kyushu - the first such warning declared for a region other than Okinawa.

From BBC

The same warning was issued in September 2022 as typhoon Nanmadol approached Kyushu - the first such warning declared for a region other than Okinawa.

From BBC

Japanese Prime Minister’s Office lifted a missile alert issued for the island of Okinawa following North Korea’s launch, saying that the missile was believed not to be headed for its region.

From Seattle Times